Dear fellow National Board officers and members of the Slovene National Benefit Society:

The steady decline in SNPJ membership can seem overwhelming as small Lodges continue to merge or dissolve throughout the Society. As an SNPJ Regional Vice President, this awareness can somethimes be discouraging. But despite these changing demographics, Lodge 89 in Midway, PA., is on its way to hitting new heights. Through the cooperation of Lodge 89 officers, its Ladies Auxiliary, the Lodge membership, the Slovene National Benefit Society's financial aid and the Lodge building expansion, Lodge 89 has renewed the SNPJ promise by catering to the family.

In addition to monthly meetings, a hook league, playing cards and a weekly fish fry, this group began having events for their youth. Just a little more than two years ago, their first youth-oriented endeavor, outside of their annual Christmas party, was an Easter egg hunt. Youth activities were then added to the annual picnic in the summer. In the fall, a Halloween party and trip to a pumpkin patch became as much fun for the kids as it was for the parents. Through the cooperation of Lodge officers, sponsorship of a wing night was held to benefit youth activities. The event proved to be much better than anyone thought. As a result, every Saturday night is wing night to benefit youth activities at Midway Lodge 89. Business is soaring and membership is reaching new heights.

With this tide of events, it became obvious that soon after a major renovation to the Lodge 89 facility in the late 1990s, expansion of the upstairs ballroom became necessary to facilitate the needs of a growing membership and activities.

Less than five years ago, Lodge 89 was like so many other SNPJ Lodges. It was struggling to survive. This was a fact, even though they had their own facility. Tucked away in northern Washington County, Pa., this Lodge of over 600 members is now at the heart of a reawakening. It is a shining example of Region 2 and the Slovene National Benefit Society's need to focus on the entire family.

Success does not come without hard work and sacrifice. Critical to the Lodge 89 prosperity have been Bill Martik, Lodge 89 president, and his wife Marge, who serves as Lodge treasurer. These extremely devoted SNPJ members are no strangers to the good times, the bad times and now a rebirth of Lodge 89. Just ask them about it! They will tell you how grateful they are for the cooperation of newcomers Tom Rudy, vice president; Pat Rupnik, secretary; Jon Rhodes, recording secretary; and all the members of Midway Lodge 89.

Focusing on one particular Lodge in a region is not meant to overshadow the success of the others. During the last six months of 2001, Strabane Lodge 138 had a membership gain of 48 new members. This was the result of numerous activities offered to members. Other Lodges that made contributing efforts to the Society's roster were Yukon Lodge 729 with five members, and Lodges 165 in Wickhaven, 200 in Herminie, 223 in Greensburg, 265 in South View, 318 in Latrobe, 379 in Slickville, 425 in Elm Grove and 583 in Lowber, which each gained one new member. The above new member gain, coupled with another 64 members obtained during the first half of the year, brought the grand total to 128 new members for 2001. As of Dec. 31, 2001 SNPJ records indicate that Region 2 had 5,942 adults and 974 youth members for a total of 6,916 members. These figures represent a new overall 110-member decline over year 2000 statistics.

Fourteen of the 35 Lodges in Region 2 followed their schedule of events and supported Society-sponsored events throughout this period. Among the activities, I served as Co-chairperson on the Miss SNPJ Pageant Committee during Slovenefest. It was also my pleasure to help coordinate Lodge 138 buses to SNPJ Pirates Day at PNC Park and to SNPJ Day at Kennywood Park. The National SNPJ Day weekend and Oktoberfest, both held at the SNPJ Recreation Center, and the Westmoreland County Federation Grape Festival were part of my September agenda. In October, the Slovene Federation of Western Pennsylvania held their meeting in Strabane where I served as a delegate. All of the above activities are in addition to the many events sponsored by Lodge 138 and Circle 19 with which I am affiliated.

A high point of the past six months was the crowning of Miss SNPJ 2002, Carissa Pabian from Lodge 138 in Strabane. Carissa is a former active member of Youth Circle 19 and has been active in the Society since she was a young child. Lodge 138, Circle 19 and Region 2 are proud to acknowledge Carissa as one of their own.

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, made a tremendous impact on our nation. After days of sitting glued to the television, the decision to "go on" became a matter of necessity. It was the call of our nation's leaders and something everyone knew had to occur. Overnight, flag waving became a matter of heart, not just something you do on the 4th of July.

Just five days after that fateful September day, the Westmoreland Federation of SNPJ Lodges proceeded with their annually-scheduled Grape Festival. As a witness to the outpouring of patriotism that day, I feel compelled to compliment the Grape Festival Committee, the Larry Placek Orchestra, the Wojtila Orchestra and all those in attendance on Sept. 16. Everyone helped bring a greater sense of dignity to patriotism at a difficult time, truly lifting the spirits of all those present. Additional patriotic endeavors inspired by Region 2 Lodges included donations to the SNPJ National Cause, Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund. Lodge 138 hosted a spaghetti dinner and bake sale and was able to raise $1,000 for the cause. Greensburg Lodge 223 also made a $50 donation. The Westmoreland Federation sponsored a dance to benefit an independent Sept. 11th fund, raising $1,265.

The Westmoreland County Federation of SNPJ Lodges took time out on Sept. 22 to acknowledge their appreciation for John Rednak's lifetime achievements. This recognition came upon his retirement to Florida. Bro. Rednak is a 31-year member of Herminie Lodge 87, was a former Regional Vice President for his area and served as Westmoreland County Federation Treasurer for a number of years. He also volunteered as groundskeeper at the Federation picnic complex. John's service to the Federation and Lodge are going to be missed, but everyone can be assured that a part of Bro. Rednak's heart will always remain at the Evanstown Picnic Grounds.

In addition to the above affair honoring Bro. Rednak, the Westmoreland Federation and Lodges had a busy calender of events throughout the summer and fall seasons. A number of dances and picnics were held but perhaps the most gratifying event should be noted as the Federation's annual dance to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through this effort, $2,365 was raised to aid this worthy cause. Members of Yukon Lodge 729 also deserve recognition for their annual blood drive which yielded 38 contributors. In a show of support for their youth, Lodge 729 saluted the holiday season with a Chinese Auction to benefit Youth Circle 81. Greensburg Lodge 223 showered their kids and adults with a Christmas party, making it a family affair.

This article was submited by Louis and Lisa Comis.

WEIRTON, W.Va. - Lodge 89 member Leah Comis, daughter of Lodge 89 members Louis and Lisa Comis of Weirton, W. Va., recently earned two Honorable Mention awards in the Catholic Schools Week contest sponsored by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va. She earned the awards for the art and essay categories.

Leah is an eighth grade student at St. Joseph the Worker School. She attained high honors for the second consecutive nine-week period. Leah is active in basketball, cheering and piano.

She is the granddaughter of Eugene and Erma Raggi of Slovan, Pa., Lodge 89 and Pete and Edith Comis of Burgettstown, Pa.

by Patty Rupnik